Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2006-11-22, Gov. Easley Announces Disaster Application Center In Columbus County Will Be Open Through December 1; Nor'Easter Causes Minor Flooding, Scattered Power Outages

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Renee Floffman Date: November 22, 2006 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES DISASTER APPLICATION CENTER IN COLUMBUS COUNTY WILL BE OPEN THROUGH DECEMBER 1 Nor’easter Causes Minor Flooding, Scattered Power Outages RALEIGH - Governor Mike Easley today announced that residents of Columbus County who were affected by last week’s tornado will be able to apply for disaster assistance from the state and the Small Business Administration until December Is'. He also said areas that experienced flooding during Tropical Storm Ernesto may have similar problems from the nor’easter that has pounded the state yesterday and today. “We are concerned about the Northeast Cape Fear River at Chinquapin and Burgaw where the river is expected to crest on Saturday,” said Easley. “The residents who had problems in August need to be ready in case local officials have to order an evacuation. Our swift water rescue teams are ready to help if they are needed.” Yesterday, Easley ordered swift water rescue teams in Johnston, Nash, Pitt and Wayne counties to be ready to move east if flooding becomes a problem. He also directed the National Guard to have high clearance vehicles on standby. Two squads of eight Highway Patrol troopers are also on alert to assist troopers in coastal counties as necessary. The nor’easter brought wind gusts of up to 55 miles per hour to the eastern portion of the state. Dominion Power in Virginia, which supplies electricity to parts of northeastern North Carolina, reports damage to a transmission tower in Colington in Dare County. That caused a loss of power to about 20,000 customers in Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell, Washington and Beaufort counties. The company expects to have all the power restored by late tonight. Winds have caused scattered power outages in other areas and rain totals from 2-to-5 inches have caused minor flooding on secondary roads and some NC routes throughout eastern North Carolina. Parts of Highway 12 are closed in Dare County. The Department of Transportation stopped ferry service on the coast yesterday, but the Southport/Ft. Fisher ferry resumed operations this morning and other ferries will begin operating as soon as weather conditions allow. Citizens can call 5-1-1 for updated road conditions or visit the state DOT’s website, www.ncdot.oriz and click on “Travel Information.” Ferry information is available at www.ncferrv.onz. -MORE- Governor’s Press Office State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166